The GSMA Mobile for Development team is conducting major research on how the mobile industry can advance digital health across varied economic contexts. October saw active engagement at the Africa HealthTech Summit and MWC Kigali, where digital health was a central theme. A strong message emerging from these events is that Africa’s digital health transformation is increasingly driven by local innovation rather than external pilots. Community-built tools are now being integrated into national health systems, helping countries progress toward universal health coverage through improved access, quality, and efficiency of care.
Evidence from across the continent shows how homegrown telemedicine services, mobile diagnostics, logistics platforms, and digital surveillance tools are strengthening health systems. At MWC Kigali, examples such as eHealth Africa’s logistics platforms and Zipline’s drone networks highlighted how local technologies are reducing stock-outs, improving emergency response, and enhancing service delivery in remote communities. Stakeholders emphasized the urgent need to scale these solutions through strong regional enablers and sustained investment.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Health showcased ongoing efforts to build national digital health infrastructure. The National Health Intelligence Centre now integrates real-time public health data to guide planning and resource allocation. New platforms like e-Buzima and e-Bankuga aim to digitize health records, link data across facilities, and support emergency coordination. Developed largely by young innovators, these tools reflect the growing role of youth in public sector digital transformation.
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool for improving health system performance. With only a small share of Rwanda’s health data currently analyzed, AI can enhance data utilization, predictive analytics, and clinical decision-making. The Africa CDC is prioritizing health data governance to enable AI adoption at scale, while experts highlight the need for strong ethical and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe, equitable implementation. With Africa’s vast linguistic diversity, training AI models on inclusive language datasets will also be critical to prevent bias and maintain equitable access.
Mobile network operators are increasingly expanding their role in digital health. With their wide reach and expertise in connectivity, security, and interoperability, they are becoming key partners in digital health transformation. At MWC Kigali, digital health was a major topic under the theme of Africa’s Digital Frontier. Mobile operators are already supporting health systems through strategic partnerships, 5G deployments, and digital health solutions that include interoperability tools, health apps, and telemedicine platforms.
Examples from Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, and South Africa show how the mobile industry is supporting immunisation, digital payments for health workers, and improved laboratory testing for HIV and tuberculosis. These efforts demonstrate the sector’s growing impact on public health and its potential to strengthen health outcomes at scale.
Sustainable digital transformation will require strong foundational systems. Interoperability with international data standards, sustainable financing, multi-sector coordination, and capacity-building for health workers are crucial. Ensuring digital literacy and training for frontline workers will help prevent widening inequalities. The discussions across the events reflect a transition from piloting innovations toward embedding digital health within national systems through strong governance, financing, and skilled human resources.
The GSMA Mobile for Development team expresses thanks to all participants and invites further engagement for those interested in their research or the evolving role of mobile operators in digital health.
